IRS Makes Changes Intended to Help Donors

The Internal Revenue Service is beefing up its efforts to increase the level of transparency at charities as philanthropists demand better tools to evaluate how their money is spent.

For the first time in almost 20 years, the annual tax form — known as the Form 990 — that most nonprofit groups have to fill out every year is getting a makeover. The tax agency hopes the changes it has made to the form will provide potential donors with a standardized way to glean information on charities. Organizations will begin using the new form next year.

Full-text article by Mike Spector is available via the Wall Street Journal, 5.29.08.